Gerald Wayne Bryson

Gerald Wayne Bryson passed away peacefully on January 3, 2023, in Oroville, California. He was born in
Comanche, Texas, on December 8, 1940, to Gerald Hix Bryson and Catherine Ellen (McCrary) Bryson.
After living in Texas, Arkansas, and Nevada, his family settled in Oroville when Gerald was 12 years old.
He graduated from Oroville High School in 1959 and from Sacramento State College (CSUS) in 1964 with
a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. He thereafter joined the Oroville Police Department, retiring as
Deputy Chief in the mid-1980s. He was the first on the OPD to have a college degree. Gerald began a
second career as a private investigator and owned and operated Bryson Investigations until December
2020.
In addition to his work life, Gerald wore many hats, including those of cattle rancher, olive farmer, and
all-around helper of many family and friends, including those he affectionately called “The Golden Girls.”
He was a true cowboy and believed in living simply. He also designed his own home that was built in
1983, in which he lived for 38 years. He and his son, Ross, won a local newspaper award for best-
decorated house at Christmas in the early 2000s. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting
events in Oroville. Gerald had a sentimental side and kept many family mementos and every greeting
card he ever received. He also had a knack for selecting the best birthday cards and was known to write
heartfelt poems about and for his loved ones. He loved his home state of Texas and, at one time,
planned to return there.
Gerald was predeceased by his wife, Martha (Marti), parents, Hix and Catherine, his sister, Linda Mason,
and grandson, Ryan Georgis. He is survived by his sister, Betty Deakins, brother, Bob Bryson, son, Ross
Bryson, daughters, Jenny McDonald (Allen), Liz Bryson, and Margie Bryson. He also leaves behind
grandchildren McKenzie, Jameson and Wyatt McDonald, Rachel and Courtney Georgis, as well as several
nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Scheer Memorial Chapel.

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